Whenever we are driving, the sign says "pass airbag off". Even though my wife is in the passenger seat. I have taken the car to the dealer several times, and they tell me my wife doesn't weigh enough to trigger the sensor. My wife weighs 97 pounds. I feel this is a very serious safety issue. I have filed a complaint with Mazda USA and have a case number 00498222 .
The worst 2026 Mazda CX-5 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Driver assistance5
- Electrical5
- Visibility3
- Brakes2
- Airbags1
- Lights1
- Seats1
- Transmission1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2026 Mazda CX-5
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 83
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Subject: Announcement of Special Service Program (SSPE2) Ethernet Communication – Over The Air (OTA)...
- Subject: Update – Campaign Warranty Claim Response Enhancements – Modules Not Repaired for Certain...
- Some customers may complain about any of the following 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the...
- Description
- Mazda Connected Services
- Description
- This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below
- This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below
- This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below
- Use this procedure if Body Control Module (BCM) failure occurs due to the laptop rebooting or crashing...
2026 Mazda CX-5 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 24 | 30 | 26 |
What 2026 Mazda CX-5 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I own a 2026 Mazda CX-5 (Premium Plus) experiencing critical, cascading safety defects involving the vehicle's telematics and driver-assistance systems. I have video evidence of the defect. Unintended Acceleration / Adaptive Cruise Control Failure: While using the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go in traffic, the system silently drops tracking of the lead vehicle (the cluster icon shifts from active green to white without warning or audio alert). Failing to recognize that traffic ahead is still stationary, the vehicle commands unexpected acceleration toward stopped cars, creating an immediate collision hazard requiring manual braking. Inoperative Emergency SOS System: The vehicle's in-cabin SOS Emergency Call (eCall) button is completely inoperative and malfunctioning due to internal telematics communication failures, disabling critical emergency response capabilities. These concurrent failures of active safety controls and emergency communication systems present a severe risk to public safety. The vehicle has already undergone multiple software updates and repair visits with no resolution.
Safety concern. Climate control change is not easy to access while driving from the digital screen. Climate control controls should near the least fixed on the screen for easy access. It is a distraction for the driver.
SEVERE SAFETY DEFECT involving sudden, unprovoked vehicle braking; While driving my 2026 Mazda CX5 at approximately 10-15 MPH or less, the smart brake support-automatic emergency brake system suddenly activated without any warning or obstacle present. The vehicle violently braked and prepared for impact, causing the wheels to lock up and rendering the car temporarily unmovable. This has occurred already on 4-5 separate occasions on dry roads during daylight. This is a severe, recurring safety defect that nearly caused a rear end collision on all 4-5 occasions. My 2 small children are scared every time we have to get in the car and drive, as i am also. The dealership has been notified, but the safety issue persists. I am looking to get out of this UNSAFE and UNRELIABLE car in fear of my familys life.
I purchased the card week ago, and by Sunday (09/04) it had only about 100 miles on it. I had just pulled out of my parking spot and came to a stop. I cannot say with certainty whether my foot was still on the brake at that exact moment, but I do know the vehicle was stopped. I was trying to adjust the A/C. The Mazda salesperson had previously told me that the climate controls on the screen could be a little finicky. I pressed a button marked with a “+,” believing it was related to the A/C. Immediately afterward, the vehicle suddenly began moving forward very quickly from a stopped position. The acceleration felt extremely fast—faster than I had ever experienced in the vehicle before. I remember seeing something green appear on the display in front of me, but because everything happened so quickly, I cannot accurately recall what my foot was doing at that moment. That is one of the main reasons I would like the vehicle’s event data/“black box” information reviewed. I do remember activating the emergency/parking brake and swerving in an attempt to stop or avoid the other vehicles. The vehicle struck one car, continued moving, and then struck another before it ultimately came to a complete stop. In total, three other vehicles were involved in addition to mine. I contacted Mazda and the dealership regarding obtaining the vehicle data, and I was told that I may need to have law enforcement obtain it through a subpoena. The car was assessed and the cost is too great for repair.
While driving, a "telematics error" message displayed, a single red light on the SOS button turned on, and it started beeping loudly while driving. In this state the vehicle cannot automatically summon emergency help following a crash, and I cannot manually trigger an SOS call. We are scheduled to have this repaired on September 15th. We previously submitted a similar case 11744809, which was a similar "telematics error", which also caused the touchscreen to fail to turn on, preventing other safety features from operating.
The Mazda cx5 2026 I purchased has a white film behind both headlights. Mazda refuses to replace headlights stating this is normal. However it is a manufacturing defect. This is a structural problem from outgassing causing a permanent haze on inside of each lens which is considered to be a night visibility hazard. I bought vehicle second week in XXX.Took it back to service dept on XXX. They said no to replacement . Contacted corporate XXX to no avail. Same story. Mazda will no replace even though under full warranty. contacted attorney general and he said to make report here. In process of retaining lawyer because at this point I don’t know what else to do. I expect perfect vehicle for my money plus expect Mazda to be honest and do the right thing. Never had anything like this happen in my life buying a new car. Thank You. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Have a cracked windshield from a chip near the wiper area Mazda says needs to be replaced But they are on National back order Was told that when the windshield caves in or collapses Then an emergency order can be put in
This is a new rebuild of this vehicle with the electronics now being within the screen. Initially had SOS and telematics issues which most of these cars are having. These seem to be fixed after two updates by Mazda. Have continuously been having issues with connectivity with their app and the ability to access my car through the app. Including locking/unlocking the doors, starting the car, having access to info about my car like: mileage and tire pressure etc. Mazda continues to see these cars without proper fixes. I have been thru three updates. And there has been no fix to these issues. I am unable to access alerts or updates regarding the car as well.
SOS sounds at random Telemetry not working comes up at random Touchscreen on infotainment freezes
Compare the 2026 Mazda CX-5
CX-5 vs Ford EscapeCX-5 vs Honda CR-VCX-5 vs Jeep CherokeeCX-5 vs Toyota RAV4CX-5 vs Chevrolet EquinoxCX-5 vs Nissan RogueCX-5 vs Subaru ForesterCX-5 vs Hyundai Tucson
Other model years
201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2026 Mazda CX-5
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, fewer than a typical CX-5 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
Driver assistance and stability, with 5 complaints. Next is electrical (5).
How many recalls does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Mazda CX-5 have the most driver assistance problems?
The Mazda CX-5 model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2018 (21 complaints), 2019 (19 complaints) and 2021 (19 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 get?
Official estimates for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 range from 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, 4WD) gets 24 city and 30 highway.
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